Moving Step 3...Prepare

Packing Tips

BEFORE your move, eliminate what you don't want or need.

DO NOT apply a heavy coat of wax to your furniture before the move. A pad or blanket can leave marks in the finish that may not come out later. The wax can become slippery, which could cause the workers to drop the piece or incur an injury.

If you're doing your own packing, be careful about overloading the cartons. To maximize safety and efficiency, ask your mover about cartons that are specially designed for moving. Do not pack all your books in one big carton -- it will be too heavy to move!! Be sure to use appropriate cartons so your goods will arrive safely. (Plastic trash bags are not appropriate cartons.) Carton tops should be flat and taped securely for easier (and quicker) handling and safe and efficient stacking in the truck.

To avoid damage, be sure fragile articles are not packed in the same carton with heavy articles. Be sure to mark all cartons clearly. Unplug your TV's and computers at least 24 hours before the move. This "cool down" period will help stabilize the working parts and help prevent damage.

Carry your valuables (jewelry, furs, money, etc.), medication, and important papers with you -- do not pack them in the moving truck. Your contract will specify that the mover is not responsible for these items.

Remember, it's "first in, last out" when loading any truck. Keep toiletries, medicines, and other necessities with you in the car on moving day.

Ask your mover for more ideas on preparing for your move. That's what they do!

How to Pack your Bedroom

How to pack your kitchen

How to pack your dining room

Moving Tips

1) IT TAKES A LITTLE MORE ADVANCE NOTICE THAN A DINNER RESERVATION.

If you're thinking of moving in the near future, call your mover well in advance. This is especially important if you're planning to move during the busy summer months when children are out of school. In timing your move, try to give the moving company a choice of days. If possible, avoid the first and last days of the month, when everyone else wants to move, too.

2) DON'T JUST GRAB THE YELLOW PAGES OR THE INTERNET.

Be sure you are dealing with a reputable, reliable company. Ask friends and neighbors, or contact the Better Business Bureau for comments and experiences regarding the moving company you are considering. (Keep in mind that the BBB is a membership organization, and their references are reflective of the support a particular mover may give them. Do not rely only on a BBB referral, but use it as one part of your homework.)
Your state regulatory agency (in Illinois, that's the Illinois Commerce Commission) or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration can confirm if the mover you are considering is licensed or has complaints. You'll also want to check with the movers' association in your state. (See our RESOURCES page for more help and direct links.)

The Illinois Commerce Commission's website includes a list of all movers licensed to do business within the State of Illinois, along with each mover's 3-year complaint history. You can contact our association or the Illinois Commerce Commission for help and more detailed information.

3) GET A "GUESS-TIMATE."

Your mover will be glad to explain the transportation rate and the charges for packing, wardrobe service, extra pick-up or delivery, storage, additional value protection and other services. But remember, an estimate is a "guess-timate." It's based on average sizes and weights to help you anticipate your approximate expense. The estimate may be over or under the actual charges at destination.

4) CONFESS YOUR INNERMOST SECRETS.

Be sure to tell your mover everything you intend to move. For your estimate to be accurate, show the estimator the contents of every room, closet, attic, cellar or garage so he can accurately gauge your requirements. Surprising him on moving day can only lead to confusion and possibly delay. The mover won't just "throw in" the extra "stuff" at no charge.

5) AVOID BOUNCING CHECKS AND UNHAPPY UTILITY COMPANIES.

Save time by using the official notification forms which your mover will often be able to supply to you to notify utility companies, banks, government agencies, publications, social and professional organizations. Remember to give your new address and phone number to friends and family members.

6) IF YOU OWN A CAST-IRON, GOLD-FLECKED ELEPHANT FOOT UMBRELLA STAND, CALL IT A CAST-IRON, GOLD-FLECKED ELEPHANT FOOT UMBRELLA STAND.

Be sure the specific description and accurate condition of each item is entered on the inventory. And realistically, a sofa that has given service to a family for eight years cannot possibly be in "mint" condition. Items that are marred and gouged should be indicated as such. Identify highly valued and treasured items so they may be given appropriate care.

7) DON'T BE EMBARRASSED TO BE A SNOOP.

Be on hand at the time of packing, pick-up and delivery to protect your interests. Carefully inspect all your possessions upon their arrival. When you sign the delivery receipt, you accept and acknowledge that your possessions are in apparent good condition, except as you indicate in writing on the delivery receipt.

8) YOU'VE HIRED A QUALIFIED MOVER, NOT A JACK-OF-ALL-TRADES.

Disconnecting and connecting of appliances, television antenna, air-conditioning units and other items requiring special servicing and installation should be arranged with your appliance dealer. Some movers will perform certain of these services, or they can make arrangements for you with an independent service provider.

9) OOPS...ACCIDENTS CAN HAPPEN.

Sometimes, despite the utmost care, loss or damage may occur. Your goods will be partially protected for 30 to 60 cents per pound per article at no extra cost. You may, for a modest charge, place increased valuation on your goods, or purchase protection insurance. Discuss with your mover in advance your specific protection requirements and your options. Set aside jewelry, documents, money, medicines, and especially valuable small items to carry with you. Your bill of lading contract will specify that the mover is not responsible for these items. Do not pack them on the truck.

10) GET A RECEIPT.

Be sure you receive from your mover upon delivery a correct bill of lading, complete with all weights, rates and charges. This is your official receipt. This amount is what you will be expected to pay, in cash or certified check, for your shipment.